Thursday, 19 May 2011

Can Better Early Education Programs Lower Crime Rates?

San Diego criminal defense attorneys are not surprised by a new study which found a link between better early childhood education and lower crime rates. The study, based on the results of an analysis conducted by Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, is being used by prominent California lawmakers to promote early childhood education programs.

The results of the study were discussed by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, San Diego’s police chief, and several other local law enforcement officers. According to the study report, investments in better early education can help authorities save time and money later down the line in reduced criminal justice costs.

Fight Crime: Invest in Kids has a novel approach to crime fighting. According to the bipartisan organization, which consists of police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors and attorney generals, policymakers need to support the provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which encourages states to incorporate early learning into the educational structure. According to the promoters of the act, with preschool funding, state and local schools can have high quality early child education programs in place.

Investing in early childhood education is more important for this generation of Americans than ever before. The family continues to remain a child's number one bastion against future crime, but there are more single parent families in America now than there have ever been in the past. In a situation like this, schools must take over as guardians for growing children. With stronger funding for preschool systems, schools can implement developed and targeted early education programs that pay off. These programs can help children to be ready to learn by the time they reach kindergarten. Children can learn social skills, and develop the strong literacy skills they need to avoid turning to criminal activities later.